Expandable power and data center with latching mechanism

ABSTRACT

An expandable power and data center ( 300 ) is adapted to be mounted within a slot ( 304 ) of a work surface ( 302 ). The power and data center ( 300 ) includes a stationary housing ( 306 ) and a carriage ( 328 ). The carriage ( 328 ) includes socket areas where power receptacles ( 338 ) and data ports ( 340 ) can be inserted. A top surface ( 330 ) of the carriage ( 328 ) and a top surface ( 350 ) of a frontal cover ( 348 ) form a pressure area ( 360 ). With the carriage in a closed position ( 328 ), a user can exert a downward pressure on the pressure area ( 360 ), causing the carriage ( 328 ) to move to an open position. A damper ( 368 ) restricts the speed at which the carriage ( 328 ) moves between the closed position and an open position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/943,237 filed on Jun. 11, 2007.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to electrical power, and power and datadistribution systems and, more particularly, to power and data centersystems having capabilities of expansion and pivoting between open andclosed positions, with particular latching mechanisms.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

The use of computers, sophisticated telecommunications equipment andother electronic devices is continuing to rapidly increase incommercial, industrial and other office environments. As a result, theimportance of efficiently supplying power throughout these environmentsis also increasing. Historically, one problem common to the use ofelectrical power and communications equipment is the positioning ofelectrical power outlets and communication ports, such as conventionalRS-232 voice/data interface connectors. The communication ports areoften referred to as “data ports” or “voice/data ports.” Positioning ofthese devices is important with respect to both convenience and costefficiency. Electrical receptacles and communication ports for supplyingpower and communication signals to various types of devices (lighting,computers, etc.) must be located in accessible positions for all typesof use.

However, the cost of electrical materials rapidly increases as thenumber of power source receptacles and associated equipment isincreased. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, the conventionaldesign of single- or double-unit receptacles (for both electrical powerand communications) within walls or floor surfaces, which are often asubstantial distance from the devices to be powered or with which tocommunicate, cause unsightly and sometimes dangerous arrays, and mayresult in entanglements of the electrical cords and communications wiresconnected to the devices.

To overcome the problems associated with efficiency and convenience ofelectrical and communications outlet design, it is not uncommon toemploy multiple receptacle raceways having a number of receptacles orcommunication ports with a common power source cord or communicationscable plugged into a utility or commercial communications company'soutlet. Again, however, the raceways can result in unsightly andentangled arrays of electrical cords and communication lines. Inaddition, such raceways are often located on floor surfaces and are notparticularly convenient.

It is also known to employ electrical receptacles and communicationsports rigidly and directly mounted to various types of furniture, suchas bookshelves and desks. These receptacles may be mounted at a locationsubstantially above the floor surface, and allow the user tointerconnect electrical and communications devices nearer their locationof use, thereby avoiding the necessity of running device cords andcables a substantial distance. However, rigidly secured receptacles andcommunication ports must be mounted in a manner so that the user canreadily insert device plugs and corresponding communication portconnectors. Accordingly, these receptacles and communication ports aretypically in a fairly “open” location, and the device cords again mayprove to be unsightly and space consuming. If, alternatively, thereceptacles and communication ports are somewhat hidden from view, theycan be difficult to access.

A system employing covered receptacles mounted within a work station isdisclosed in Propst, U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,629 issued Feb. 8, 1983. ThePropst et al. arrangement includes a desk top having a rear cover hingedto a vertical back panel. Receptacles are mounted to the lower portionof the cover and bristles extend horizontally from the cover to an edgeof the desk top when the cover is closed. When the cover is open, theuser can “plug in” the cord of a desired electrical device and close thecover, with the cord then extending through the bristles.

One relatively substantial advance over the prior art, relating to themounting of electrical receptacles in a retractable manner in worksurfaces and the like, is shown in the commonly owned Byrne, U.S. Pat.No. 4,551,577 issued Nov. 5, 1985. In the Byrne patent, a retractablepower center includes a rectangular housing formed in the work surface,with a clamping arrangement to secure the housing to the work surface. Alower extrusion is connected to a lower portion of the housing, and amovable power carriage mounts receptacles. A catch assembly releasablymaintains the carriage in a closed, retracted position. In response tomanual activation, the catch assembly is released and springs tensionedbetween the carriage and the extrusion exert forces so as to extend thecarriage upward into an extended open position. In the open position,the user can energize desired electrical devices from the receptacles,and then lower the carriage into the releasably secured, retractedposition.

Although the foregoing Byrne patent represents a substantial advancewith respect to retractable power centers mounted on work surfaces andthe like, it can also be advantageous to employ a retractable powercenter having a relatively more simple construction. That is, the use ofsprings or similar arrangements can sometimes result in additionalrepair and maintenance costs. Further, the use of a relatively longextrusion and spring assemblies can also result in higher initial costs.

In this regard, a further advance over the prior art was achieved withthe commonly owned Byrne, U.S. Pat. No. 4,747,788 issued May 31, 1988.In this patent, a retractable power center is disclosed which ismanually operable. The power center includes a stationary upper housingreceived within a slot formed within a work surface, and a clampingarrangement to secure the housing to the work surface. A manuallymovable and vertically slidable power carriage is utilized to mount theelectrical receptacles. In response to manually exerted forces, thecarriage can be extended vertically upward into an open position. Smallbosses extend laterally from the sides of the carriage to provide ameans to support the carriage in its extended position, with the bossesresting on the top portion of the housing. Ledges are integrally formedon the lateral sides of the carriage near the bottom portions thereof,so as to prevent any additional movement of the carriage upwardlyrelative to the housing.

An example of a device having electrical receptacles, data ports andother types of communication outlets is disclosed in Brownlie et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,982 issued Jan. 15, 1991. The Brownlie et al. patentillustrates an access flooring module to be mounted in an openingprovided in an access floor. The module is movable between open andclosed positions, and recesses are provided so as to receive electricalcomponents such as power sockets or signal sockets. Electrical isolationis provided between certain components. In an alternative embodiment,high tension and low tension cables are interconnected to the rear of amodule. The high tension cable is secured through a hard wire bracket,with the low tension cable secured through a data bracket. Cable tiesare utilized to secure the cables to the rear of the module.

A device comprising both electrical power and data service lines, andspecifically directed to use in a work surface, is disclosed inTimmerman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,668 issued Nov. 19, 1996. In theTimmerman patent, a temporary power/data tap is provided for deliveringboth electrical power and data service to a work surface from a distantstandard wall or floor mounted electrical receptacle and data port. Thepower/data tap is movable between retracted and extended positions. TheTimmerman patent illustrates a temporary power/data tap comprising anenclosure assembly, power distribution assembly, at least one outletenclosure and a power cord. The enclosure assembly comprises a boxstructure having a top opening with two side surfaces and two removableend surfaces. The side surfaces include spot welded nuts on their insidesurfaces for mounting the enclosure assembly to a work surface. Theinside surface of the side surfaces of the box structure include rivetsintruding into non-conductor space and serving as positive stops for theoutlet enclosure housed therein. The end surfaces can also have openingsfor receiving a strain relief bushing or an electrical connector.

Disposed inside the enclosure assembly is a power distribution assemblyfor receiving and distributing electrical power through the enclosureassembly to the outlet enclosure. The power distribution assembly is anI-shaped structure comprising a first junction box and a second junctionbox. Each of the junction boxes includes a recessed central area withtwo centrally located conduit holes manufactured thereon which are usedto attach one end of a metallic rigid conduit and one end of a metallicflexible conduit. Trade holes are also manufactured on the insidesurface near the upper edge of each junction box, for engaging bulletcatches located on lateral sides of each outlet enclosure for purposesof limiting the upper rotation of the outlet enclosure from theenclosure assembly.

During assembly, the power distribution assembly is disposed inside theenclosure assembly over a bottom surface so that a rigid conduit isparallel with the longitudinal axis of the enclosure assembly, with thejunction boxes disposed on opposite sides thereof. This concept is shownin FIG. 5 of the Timmerman patent. Electrical power is delivered to theenclosure assembly from a standard receptacle by means of a power cord.The power cord extends through a bushing attached to the side surface ofthe box structure.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of Timmerman, two outletenclosures are placed through the top opening and disposed in aside-by-side manner inside the enclosure assembly. A hinge is disposedbetween the two outlet enclosures or between one outlet enclosure andthe enclosure assembly, thereby enabling the outlet enclosures to freelypivot inside the enclosure assembly. Each outlet enclosure is made ofsheet metal and comprises a cover and a box member divided by apartition into first and second compartments. The cover is connectedalong its back edge by a full length hinge to the top surface of the boxmember. A connecting rod is used to interconnect the hinge element onthe cover with the hinge elements located on an adjacent outletenclosure or on the enclosure assembly. The box member is divided into afirst compartment used to house high voltage electrical connections, anda second compartment used to house low voltage electrical connections,such as data service line connections. Each end of the box member isfitted with a bullet cache which engages trade holes manufactured on thesides of the adjacent junction box to limit the upward rotation of theoutlet enclosure.

Manufactured on a front surface of the box member are cutouts forreceiving the electrical power receptacle and the data port.Manufactured on the bottom surface of the box member directly under thefirst compartment is an opening which enables a flexible conduit to beattached to the box structure. Attached over a rear opening of the boxmember is a removable cover. The cover fully encloses the firstcompartment and partially encloses the rear opening of the secondcompartment, thereby providing a means for the data service line toenter the second compartment.

To mount the temporary tap to a work surface, a suitable opening ismanufactured on the work surface slightly larger than the box structure.Mounting brackets are utilized to attach the box structure to the worksurface. In general, the Timmerman patent shows the concept of a powercenter pivotable between open and closed positions, with the powercenter having both an electrical receptacle and a data port mounted inseparate and isolated compartments.

Another device comprising utility receptacles and specifically directedto use in a work surface is disclosed in Gevaert et al., U.S. Pat. No.5,709,156 issued Jan. 20, 1998. In the Gevaert et al. patent, a utilityreceptacle assembly comprises a base mountable to a work surface and autility receptacle pivotably and removably mounted to the base. Withreference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the utility receptacle assembly is mountedwithin a support surface. The assembly includes a base member,receptacle member and cover member. FIG. 1 illustrates the utilityreceptacle assembly in a closed and inoperative position. FIG. 2illustrates the receptacle assembly in an open and operative position.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the base member includes an upper wall,end walls and a pair of side walls. The end walls and side walls extenddownwardly from the underside of the upper wall. The base member ismounted to the support surface within an opening formed in the supportsurface. Locking members on the base member have a series of lockingtabs at their lower portions, which engage the lower surface of thesupport surface when the base member is assembled within the opening ofthe support surface. The base member includes a central passage and apair of side recesses located on each side of the central passage. Thecentral passage extends fully through the base member, and the recessesface upwardly within the base member. The side recesses are formed bybottom sections, each having a rectangular passage defined by side wallsand end walls. The end walls have central recesses which can receivelocking ears of a conventional communication receptacle.

The utility receptacle member, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, includesa pair of side walls, rear wall and stepped front wall constructionhaving an upper wall section, lower wall section and receptacle faceextending therebetween. A finger notch is formed in the upper wallsection, and conventional electrical receptacle slots are formed in thereceptacle face for receiving electrical plug-type connectors. Thereceptacle face is substantially perpendicular to the lower wallsection, and a series of internal walls extend perpendicularly to thereceptacle face into an internal cavity. An upwardly-facing opening isformed in the rear wall. The opening is U-shaped in configuration, andcommunicates with the internal cavity.

With specific reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, an electrical cable extendsthrough the upwardly-facing opening and into the internal cavity. Thecable is conventional in its construction, and provides power throughits series of wires. For purposes of interconnection, and with referenceto FIG. 3, the side walls include openings located toward upper and rearcorners of each side wall. A retainer member is formed integrally witheach of the side walls. The retainer member is resilient and flexible,and is defined by a slot, with a foot formed at the end.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 3, the cover member is engageable withthe upper end of the utility receptacle member. The cover memberincludes a planar wall having an extension and a finger notch. A seriesof triangular retainer bosses extend from the lower surface of theplanar wall. The retainer bosses are oriented so as to angle downwardlyin a rearward direction. The cover member is mounted to the receptaclemember, so that the lower surface of the planar wall abuts the upperends of the receptacle member side walls, rear wall and upper wallsection. A cable-locking strain relief tab is inserted into theupwardly-facing opening and is utilized with other elements to preventrelative movement between the electrical cable and the assembly definedby the cover member and the utility receptacle member. The cover memberis defined as being securable to the utility receptacle member in anysatisfactory arrangement, but preferably sonic-welded to provide apermanent bond.

For purposes of engagement and disengagement of the utility receptaclemember with the base member, FIG. 9 illustrates the relative positionsof one of the resilient fingers, in solid-line and phantom-line format.The utility receptacle member can be inserted into the central passage,with the member side walls of the utility receptacle member having arelatively close tolerance relative to the central passage transversewalls. The user can then press outwardly on the fingers so as to movethe protrusions to a flush or recessed position relative to thetransverse walls. The utility receptacle member can then be slidrearwardly so that transverse openings or holes within the utilityreceptacle member are in alignment with the protrusions of the fingers.The resiliency of the fingers will then cause the fingers to return toan engagement position, in which the fingers are co-planar with theirrespective traverse side walls, and the protrusions extend into thetraverse openings. In this manner, the utility receptacle member ispivotably and removably mounted to the base member. For purposes ofremoval, the user can manually depress the fingers so as to disengagethe protrusions from the transverse openings. Simultaneously, the usercan apply an outward force to the utility receptacle member, so as towithdraw the receptacle member upwardly out of the central passage forremoval from the base.

With respect to specific operation, the cover member can first besecured to the utility receptacle member. The utility receptacle memberis then pivotably mounted to the base member. The pivotable mountingoccurs through the protrusions of the fingers associated with thetransverse walls engaging with previously described openings in the sidewalls of the utility receptacle member. The base member is then securedto the support surface, through the previously described locking membersand locking tabs. With the pivotable movement of the utility receptaclemember, the user has access to electrical power receptacles on thereceptacle face and/or within the communication recesses. For purposesof access, the user will insert his/her finger into the previouslydescribed finger notch, located in an upper wall section of thereceptacle member. This finger notch is located below the cover memberfinger notch associated with the cover.

The user can then lift upwardly on the finger notch of the cover,resulting in pivoting movement of the utility receptacle member and thecover member, with movement of the same to the open or accessibleposition illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6. With the receptacle member movedto its open or accessible position, a pair of feet located on eitherside of the utility receptacle member and their associated tabs engageportions of the inner, transverse side walls of the base member, belowforwardly projecting retainer surfaces of the base member. Once the endsof the feet have cleared the retainer surfaces, resiliency of theretainer tabs move the associated feet outwardly, so that the outerportions of the feet overlie and engage the retainer surfaces. Thisconcept is shown in solid line format in FIG. 9 of the Gevaert et al.patent. In this manner, the utility receptacle member is maintained inan open or operative position.

With further reference to FIG. 2, any further rearward pivoting movementof the utility receptacle member is prevented by engagement of lower,outer sections of the cover member with the upper surface of the basemember upper wall. With the utility receptacle member and cover membermoved to the open position, access is provided to the side recesses andthe communications receptacles mounted therein. Also, the user can theninsert one or more power plugs into the power receptacle face.Correspondingly, one or more communication cables can be operativelyengaged with the communication receptacles secured to recessed bottomsections of the base member.

To return the utility receptacle member to the closed position(illustrated in FIG. 1 of the Gevaert et al. patent), the user canmanually engage the retainer tabs on opposing sides of the receptaclemember, and press the tabs inwardly towards each other so as to move thefeet associated with each tab out of alignment with the retainersurfaces. In this manner, the utility receptacle member may be pivotedback to its closed or inoperative position. In the closed or inoperativeposition, portions of the cover extending from the sides of thereceptacle member overlie the base member recesses, thereby preventingaccess to the recesses and the communication receptacles mountedtherein.

Although the aforedescribed devices provide various advantageousconfigurations relating to the use of electrical receptacles and dataports at a work surface level, it would also be advantageous to provideother concepts with these types of devices, particularly ones where suchconcepts can be provided in combination. For example, it may beadvantageous to provide use of electrical receptacles and data ports,even when the device is in a fully closed or retracted position. Thatis, it can be contemplated to provide the capability of continuingengagement of electrical devices with the electrical receptacles (andcommunications devices with the data ports), even when the device isretracted. In addition, for various reasons, including aestheticpurposes, it may be advantageous to somewhat “hide” recessed areas ofthe devices, even when the devices are in an open or “extended”position. Still further, it may be advantageous to provide thecapability of “hiding” or storing excess cord length of electrical orcommunications utility devices, when such utility equipment is engagedwith the electrical receptacles and data ports.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a prior art rotatablepower and data center with storage area in accordance with theinvention, with the rotatable power and data center illustrated in aclosed, retracted position, and with a portion of an associated workstation surface shown partially broken away, in phantom line format;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the rotatable power and data centerillustrated in FIG. 1, taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rotatable power and data centerillustrated in FIG. 1, with the carriage of the power and data center inan open position to illustrate various elements thereof, and with thecover illustrated in its 180E position;

FIG. 4 is a partial, perspective view (in a somewhat enlarged format) ofa portion of the rotatable power and data center, with the power anddata center in an open, extended position, the cover returned to itsclosed position and interconnection of an electrical plug-type cord andcommunication line to an electrical receptacle and data port,respectively, of the power and data center;

FIG. 5 is a sectional, end view of the rotatable power and data center,taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial, enlarged view of the corresponding identifiedportion of FIG. 5, showing the releasable coupling of the carriage ofthe rotatable power and data center with a rear portion of a stationaryhousing of the power and data center;

FIG. 7 is a partial, enlarged view of the corresponding identifiedportion of FIG. 5, showing one of the coupling connectors of thestationary housing, utilized to secure the stationary housing to thework surface;

FIG. 7A is a sectional, plan view of the coupling connector illustratedin FIG. 7, taken along lines 7A-7A of FIG. 7;

FIG. 7B is a sectional, plan view of the coupling connector illustratedin FIG. 7, taken along lines 7B-7B of FIG. 7, but is limited to a viewof only the bushing of the coupling connector;

FIG. 8 is a sectional, plan view of the coupling connector illustratedin FIG. 7, taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 7 and illustrating (insolid-line format) the coupling connector in a position which allowsremoval of the stationary housing from the work surface;

FIG. 9 is a sectional, plan view of the coupling connector of FIG. 7,similar to the illustration of FIG. 8, but instead showing the couplingconnector in its locked position (in solid-line format), whereby thestationary housing is secured to the work surface;

FIG. 10 is a partial, enlarged and exploded view of the correspondingidentified portion of FIG. 3, showing elements associated with pivotableand releasable interconnection of the cover with the stationary housing;

FIG. 10A is a sectional, end view of the interconnection elementsillustrated in FIG. 10, showing the interconnection of one of the pivotmandrels of the cover with the stationary housing, when the cover isinterconnected with the stationary housing;

FIG. 10B is a partial, plan view of one of the pivot arms of the coveras illustrated in FIG. 10, showing the pair of pivot mandrels associatedwith the pivot arm and further showing the general, positionalrelationship of the pivot arm with the cover connecting slots duringinterconnection;

FIG. 11 is an underside view of the rotatable power and data center,with the cover and the carriage shown in a closed, retracted position;

FIG. 12 is an exploded, perspective view of the rotatable power and datacenter illustrated in FIG. 1, showing the structural relationshipbetween the carriage, cover, stationary housing, coupling connectors andinterconnecting means for connecting together various elements of therotatable power and data center;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the rotatable power and data center ofFIG. 1, similar to FIG. 1 but illustrating an electrical cord extendingout of the cover and further illustrating interconnection of anelectrical plug-type cord with an electrical receptacle of the carriage;

FIG. 14 is a sectional, end view of the rotatable power and data center,taken along lines 14-14 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a sectional, end view of the rotatable power and data center,similar to FIG. 5 but showing intermediate movement of the cover andcarriage from the closed, retracted position to the open, extendedposition;

FIG. 16 is a sectional, end view of the rotatable power and data center,similar to FIG. 15 but showing intermediate movement of the carriage andcover between the open, extended position and the closed, retractedposition;

FIG. 17 is a sectional, end view of the rotatable power data center,similar in structure to FIG. 5 but showing interconnection of arelatively large plug-type electrical connector to one of the electricalreceptacles when the carriage is in the open, extended position;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a one touchpivotable, expandable power and data center in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a one touchpivotable, expandable power and data center in accordance with theinvention, with the second embodiment including only a pair of powerreceptacles, with no data ports;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the power anddata center shown in FIG. 18, with the power and data center in a closedconfiguration, with extra cords hidden while in use;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the power anddata center in accordance with the invention as shown in FIG. 19, butwith the power and data center in a closed configuration;

FIG. 22 is a plan view of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a left side view of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 24 is a front, elevation view of the second embodiment shown inFIG. 19;

FIG. 25 is a right side view of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 26 is an underside view of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 27 is an upside down, rear view of the second embodiment shown inFIG. 19;

FIG. 28 is a top, plan view of the first embodiment of the power anddata center in accordance with the invention shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 29 is a left side view of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 30 is a front, elevation view of the first embodiment shown in FIG.18;

FIG. 31 is a right side view of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 32 is an underside view of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 33 is an upside down, rear view of the first embodiment shown inFIG. 18;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 19in a closed configuration, and showing the direction of movement whenopening the second embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the second embodiment in an openconfiguration, and showing the direction of movement when moving thesecond embodiment from an open to a closed configuration;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 18,and specifically showing the embodiment with all empty windows;

FIG. 37 is an enlarged view of a part of the power and data center shownin FIG. 36, and further showing the empty window option;

FIG. 38 is an enlarged view of a portion of the power and data center inFIG. 36, but showing one of the windows with a simplex power receptacle;

FIG. 39 is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 38, but shows the use of adata adapter or data port with the power and data center;

FIG. 40 is a sectional left side view of the first embodiment of thepower and data center in accordance with the invention, showing thepower and data center in the normal, closed position;

FIG. 41 shows the action of components of the power and data centershown in FIG. 40, when downward pressure is exerted so as to release aspring mechanism of the power and data center, and move the power anddata center to an open position as shown in FIG. 41;

FIG. 42 is a sectional left side view similar to FIG. 40, but showingmechanical components comprising a latching mechanism, spring, damperand link associated with the one touch power and data center;

FIG. 43 is similar to FIG. 42 but shows the power and data center as itis moving toward an open position;

FIG. 44 illustrates a work surface to which the first embodiment of thepower and data center shown in FIG. 18 may be installed;

FIG. 45 illustrates an initial position of the power and data center asit is being installed into a work surface;

FIG. 46 illustrates a final spatial position of the power and datacenter as installed within the work surface shown in FIGS. 44 and 45;

FIG. 47 illustrates one of the locking cams as it is inserted into thepower and data center;

FIG. 48 illustrates the locking cam shown in FIG. 47, but with thelocking cam rotated to a position where the cam will lock into place;

FIG. 49 is an exploded view of certain components of the firstembodiment of the power and data center shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 50 is a further exploded view similar to FIG. 49, but showing acarriage of the power and data center shown in FIG. 18, and furthershowing components of the spring mechanism used with the power and datacenter;

FIG. 51 is a partially exploded view of the power and data center shownin FIG. 18, but shown in a closed position and showing the positions ofthe locking cams as they are initially inserted into the power and datacenter;

FIG. 52 is a locking mechanism in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 53 is a side, elevation view of the locking mechanism shown in FIG.52;

FIG. 54 is a reverse, perspective view rotated 180° relative to the viewof the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 52;

FIG. 55 is a front, elevation view of the locking mechanism shown inFIG. 52;

FIG. 56 is a right-side, elevation view of the locking mechanism asshown in FIG. 52;

FIG. 57 is a rear, elevation view of the locking mechanism shown in FIG.52;

FIG. 58 is an underside view of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 52;

FIG. 59 illustrates the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 52 as the sameas inserted into the power and data center;

FIG. 60 illustrates the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 59, after it hasbeen rotated 90°;

FIG. 61 illustrates a plan view of a connecting clip in accordance withthe invention;

FIG. 62 illustrates a left-side, elevation view of the connecting clipshown in FIG. 61;

FIG. 63 is a front, elevation view of the connecting clip shown in FIG.61;

FIG. 64 is a right-side, elevation view of the connecting clip shown inFIG. 61;

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of the connecting clip shown in FIG. 61;

FIG. 66 is an underside view of the connecting clip shown in FIG. 61;

FIG. 67 is a perspective view of the connecting clip shown in FIG. 61,rotated 180° relative to the perspective view at FIG. 65;

FIG. 68 is an upside down, elevation view of the connecting clip asshown in FIG. 61;

FIG. 69 is an underside perspective view showing the position of theconnecting clip of FIG. 61 as it is to be clipped to a side of a powerand data center;

FIG. 70 is an enlarged view of the portion of FIG. 69 showing theconnecting clip;

FIG. 71 is an enlarged view showing the connecting clip after it hasbeen inserted onto the power and data center;

FIG. 72 is an underside perspective view showing the relativepositioning of a power and data center in accordance with the invention,as the same as the position within a slot of a work surface;

FIG. 73 is similar to FIG. 72, but shows the power and data center as itis positioned within the work surface;

FIG. 74 is a sectional, end view showing the power and data center in anopen position;

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of the power and data center in an openposition;

FIG. 76 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a powerand data center in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 77 is a still further embodiment of a power and data center inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 78 represents another embodiment in perspective view of a power anddata center in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 79 illustrates a still further embodiment in perspective of a powerand data center in accordance with the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The principles of the invention are disclosed, by way of example, in anexpandable and pivotable power and data center shown in embodiments ofexpandable power and data centers as illustrated in FIGS. 18-79. Morespecifically, certain of FIGS. 18-79 illustrate an embodiment referredto herein as an expandable power and data center 300. Others of thedrawings of FIGS. 18-79 illustrate a second embodiment of a power datacenter in accordance with the invention, referred to as an expandablepower and data center 600. In addition to the foregoing, other power anddata centers in accordance with the invention, as showing novel conceptsassociated with a latching mechanism and a use of a connecting clip areparticularly illustrated in FIGS. 52-79. The expandable power and datacenters 300, 600 provide several advantages. Expandable power and datacenters are adapted to support variable numbers of electrical devices(such as power receptacles) and various numbers of communication devices(such as data ports) and the like.

To more completely describe prior art associated with power and datacenters, the following paragraphs describe an embodiment of a rotatablepower and data center with storage area 100 as illustrated in FIGS.1-17. This prior art power and data center 100 is disclosed in Byrne,U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,518 B1 issued Sep. 18, 2001. Following thedescription of the prior art power and data center 100 as illustrated inFIGS. 1-17, the expandable power and data centers 300, 600 are describedherein with respect to FIGS. 18-51.

The power and data center with storage area 100 provides for access,work surface level, to electrical power, voice/data signals and othertypes of electrical and/or communications input/output. The power anddata center 100 is adapted to be maintained in a closed, retractedposition, while still retaining the capability of interconnection ofelectrical and communication devices. In addition, the power and datacenter 100 is adapted to facilitate interconnection of electrical andcommunication lines when a rotatable carriage of the power and datacenter 100 is moved to an open, extended position. Advantageously, thepositioning of the rotatable carriage while in the open, extendedposition and the positional and structural relationship of components ofthe power and data center 100 serve to facilitate interconnection ofelectrical and communication lines, through providing a relatively“large” and “open” access area.

The power and data center includes a carriage which can be readilyassembled and disassembled from other components of the rotatable powerand data center, without any substantial complexity or the need for anyspecific tools. In addition, and as earlier mentioned, the relationshipof various components of the rotatable power and data center serves tofacilitate interconnection of electrical and communication lines throughproviding a relatively “open” access area when the power and data centeris in an open, extended position. In addition, with the configuration ofa rotatable power and data center in accordance with the invention, arelatively large “storage” area is provided within a stationary housingof the power and data center, without the storage area being limited indepth by any elements of the power and data center. The relatively largeand deep storage area facilitates the storing of wire or cable excess.

In accordance with another aspect of the rotatable power and data center100, the power and data center facilitates use of electrical receptaclesand communication ports, even when the power and data center is in aclosed, retracted position. Still further, with respect to the depth ofthe power and data center, it can be constructed with a relatively“thin” sectional profile or depth. That is, there is no need to requirea housing or carriage to extend below the bottom portion of a worksurface. Accordingly, users are not subjected to a loss of leg room orpotential injury from structural elements projecting downward below thebottom of the work surface. In brief summary, the rotatable power anddata center 100 in accordance with the invention primarily facilitatesuse of electrical receptacles and communication ports, even when thepower and data center is in a closed, retracted position. In addition,the overall structure of the power and data center 100 facilitates astorage area for storing wire or cable excess.

More specifically, with reference to the drawings, the power and datacenter 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1 is adapted to be mounted within aslot or opening, such as the slot 102 formed within a furniturecomponent. The furniture component may include, for example, a worksurface such as the work surface 104 which is partially depicted in“cut-out” format in FIGS. 1-5. Work surface 104 can, for example, be theworking surface of a desk or similar furniture component. Although notspecifically shown in the drawings, the slot 102 may be rectangular orof a similar shape, for purposes of appropriately fitting and securingthe power and data center 100.

The power and data center 100, as particularly shown in FIGS. 1-5,includes a stationary housing 106, which may comprise a rectangularsleeve 108 and a horizontal flange or lip 110. The rectangular sleeve108 will be of a sufficient depth so as to appropriately cover andprotect the electrical and communication components as described insubsequent paragraphs herein. However, in accordance with the invention,the rectangular sleeve 108 advantageously may have a depth which is lessthan the depth of the work surface 104. That is, a bottom 105 of thework surface 104 will extend below the bottom of the rectangular sleeve108. This thin “profile” or short depth of the rectangular sleeve 108(and the fact that other components of the power and data center 100 donot need to extend below the bottom of the rectangular sleeve 108)advantageously provides additional leg room to the user and does notsubject the user to potential injury or other problems associated withstructural elements of the power and data center 100 extending below thebottom of the work surface 104. The rectangular sleeve 108 is verticallydisposed and includes a frontal wall 112 and two opposing vertical sidewalls 114, 116. The rectangular sleeve 108 also includes a rear verticalwall 118, with the front wall 112, side walls 114, 116 and rear verticalwall 118 integrally or otherwise connected together with appropriatemeans. These walls 112, 114, 116 and 118 form a rectangular box orsleeve-like structure 108 for protecting the electrical andcommunication components associated with the power and data center 100.

Integral with or otherwise appropriately connected to the rectangularsleeve 108 is the horizontal flange or lip 110. As shown primarily inFIG. 1, the horizontal flange or lip 110 is also rectangular in shapeand should be of an appropriate size so as to provide support on thework surface 104 for the power and data center 100 within the slot 102.The rectangular sleeve 108 may be appropriately sized and the power anddata center 100 may be configured so that the flange or lip 110 issupported on the upper portion of the work surface 104, when thestationary housing 106 is workably positioned within the slot 102.Although the horizontal flange or lip 110 provides a relatively securesupporting relationship for the stationary housing 106 with the worksurface 104, additional means can be provided for more rigidly securingthe power and data center 100 to the work surface 104. One example ofsuch a connecting arrangement in accordance with the invention isdescribed in subsequent paragraphs herein.

With reference primarily to FIGS. 2, 5, 6, 11 and 12, the stationaryhousing 106 also includes a pair of carriage pivot flanges 120positioned on an inner portion of the rear vertical wall 118, asprimarily shown in FIG. 12. Each carriage pivot flange 120 is integralwith or otherwise appropriately secured to an inner surface of the rearvertical wall 118. As shown primarily in FIG. 6, with respect to one ofthe pivot flanges 120, each pivot flange 120 includes an arcuate portion122 which forms, with the rear vertical wall 118, a substantiallyU-shaped channel 124. However, the arcuate portion 122 includes achannel edge 125 which extends “beyond” a vertically disposed position(as viewed in FIG. 6) which would exist with a channel 124 which is“exactly” U-shaped. That is, the radius and arc of the arcuate portion122 extends greater than 180E, which would exist with a channel of exactU-shaped proportions. With the edge 125 extending as illustrated in FIG.6, the arcuate portion 122 and the radius of the formed U-shaped channel124 may be appropriately sized so as to provide suitable positioning androtation of a carriage portion of the power and data center 100 asdescribed in subsequent paragraphs herein. As also described insubsequent paragraphs, the sizing and shape of the carriage pivot flange120 provides a means for securing a carriage to the stationary housing106, while correspondingly facilitating removal of the carriage from itsreleasable interconnection with the stationary housing 106, when thecarriage is in a specific orientation.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 10 and 12, the horizontal flange or lip 110of the stationary housing 106 also includes a pair of appropriatelysized cut-outs or connecting slots 126, each spaced above the front wall112 an equal distance from associated side walls 114, 116. Withreference particularly to FIG. 10, the horizontal flange or lip 110 alsoincludes a pair of cover connecting chambers 128, each formed inopposition to the other adjacent a corresponding one of the cut-outs orconnecting slots 126. In FIG. 10, only one of the cover connectingchambers 128 is shown, specifically the cover connecting chamber 128associated with the specifically identified connecting slot 126illustrated in FIG. 3 and positioned to the right of the specificallyidentified connecting slot 126. The other cover connecting chamber 128is located in an opposing configuration to the specific cover connectingchamber 128 shown in FIG. 10, and is a mirror image thereof. Both of thecover connecting chambers 128 associated with the specificallyidentified connecting slot 126 illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 10 areshown in hidden-line format in FIG. 10B. With reference to the coverconnecting chamber 128 shown in FIG. 10, the chamber 128 includes alower bore 130 having three sides which form a substantially box-likeconfiguration. The lower bore 130 includes a pair of opposing side walls131. The bore 130 also includes an opening 133 at a lower portion havinga rectangular-shaped configuration, with a width sufficient so as toinsert a pivot mandrel 232 also shown in FIG. 10 and described insubsequent paragraphs herein. Further, the lower bore 130 also includesan opening 135 at its forward position, again so as to allow insertionof the pivot mandrel 232. At its top portion, the lower bore 130 opensto a substantially cylindrical aperture 132 positioned immediately abovethe lower bore 130 within the horizontal flange or lip 110. The diameterof the substantially cylindrical aperture 132 is also sufficient so asto receive a corresponding one of the pivot mandrels 232. As describedin subsequent paragraphs herein, the pivot mandrels 232 and the coverconnecting chambers 128 provide a means for removably securing a cover220 of the power and data center 100 to the stationary housing 106.

With reference primarily to FIGS. 2, 5, 7-9 and 12, the stationaryhousing 106 includes a pair of coupling connectors 134 associatedtherewith. The coupling connectors 134 are utilized to removably securethe stationary housing 106 of the power and data center 100 to the worksurface 104. More specifically, each of the coupling connectors 134includes a cylindrical bushing 136 which is vertically oriented andintegrally coupled with or otherwise secured to the stationary housing106. One of the bushings 136 is located on an inner surface 115 of sidewall 114, while the other bushing 136 is located in an opposingconfiguration on an inner surface of the other side wall 116. Forpurposes of brevity, the structural configuration of only one of thecoupling connectors 134 will be described, it being understood that theconfiguration of the other coupling connector 134 is substantiallyidentical.

Within each of the bushings 136 is a vertically disposed cylindricalaperture 138. The cylindrical aperture 138 includes a first cylindricalportion 140 having a diameter sufficient so as to receive the head 143of a threaded screw 142, in a counter-sunk configuration. That is, thelongitudinal length of the first cylindrical portion 140 allows for thethreaded screw 142 to be positioned so that the head 143 is below thetop of the bushing 136 when the threaded screw 142 is assembled with thecoupling connector 134. The cylindrical aperture 138 further includes asecond cylindrical portion 144 having a diameter as primarily shown inFIG. 7A. At the lower portion of the cylindrical aperture 138, theaperture 138 includes a third substantially cylindrical portion 145,with a diameter substantially larger than the diameter of the threadedsecond cylindrical portion 144. A cross section of only the bushing 136,showing the third substantially cylindrical portion 145, is illustratedin FIG. 7B. As shown in FIG. 7B, although the portion 145 issubstantially cylindrical in configuration, the inner surface of thebushing 136 (which forms the aperture 138) includes an arcuate-shapeddetent 146 which acts so as to essentially narrow the diameter of thethird substantially cylindrical portion 145 within an arc of themaximum, circular cross-sectional area of the cylindrical portion 145 asillustrated in FIG. 7B.

The coupling connector 134 further comprises a coupler 148 having anupstanding sleeve portion 150 and a horizontally disposed foot 152integrally formed with or otherwise secured to the lower end of theupstanding sleeve portion 150. As primarily illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9and 12, the upstanding sleeve portion 150 is formed of a substantiallycylindrical portion 154 having an arcuate-shaped sill 156, with across-sectional configuration as primarily shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Thesill 156 is preferably integrally formed with the substantiallycylindrical portion 154 of the upstanding sleeve portion 150. Asdescribed in subsequent paragraphs herein with respect to operation ofthe coupling connectors 134, the arcuate-shaped sill 156 is adapted toabut the arcuate-shaped detent 146 of the bushing 146 when thestationary housing 106 is secured to the work surface 104. A threadedaperture 158 extends at least partially longitudinally through theupstanding sleeve portion 150. The threaded aperture 158 is adapted tothreadably receive the connecting screw 142. The foot 152 includes a leg160 extending from the underside of the upstanding sleeve portion 150. Aboss 162 projects upwardly from the distal section of the leg 160.

The operation of the coupling connectors 134 in removably securing thestationary housing 106 and associated power and data center 100 to thework surface 104 will now be described. Each of the couplers 148 isfirst inserted from the underside of stationary housing 106 (as shown inFIG. 12) into a corresponding one of the bushings 136. Morespecifically, the upstanding sleeve portion 150 is inserted into thethird substantially cylindrical portion 145, so that the substantiallycylindrical portion 154 and arcuate-shaped sill 156 are received withinthe third substantially cylindrical portion 145. The relative sizes ofthe bushings 136 and the couplers 148 are such that the sills 156 of theupstanding sleeve portions 150 are positioned relative to the detents146 of the bushings 136 so as to appropriately cooperate with the sameto allow insertion of the substantially cylindrical portions 154 andsills 156 into the third substantially cylindrical portion 145 of thebushings 136. The connecting screws 142 are then inserted into the firstcylindrical portions 140 of the bushings 136 from above the stationaryhousing 106, and threadably secured within the threaded apertures 158 ofthe upstanding sleeve portions 150.

For purposes of then inserting the stationary housing 106 and thecoupling connectors 134 into the slot 102 of the work surface 104, thecouplers 148 are positioned as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and as furthershown in solid-line format in FIG. 12, with the feet 152 positioned sothat the legs 160 extend parallel to the side walls 114, 116 of thestationary housing 106. It is seen that for the legs 160 to be extendedin this parallel configuration with the upstanding sleeve portions 150inserted into the bushings 136, the detents 146 and arcuate-shaped sills156 must be of a relative configuration to allow this specificpositioning of the legs 150. Again, such relative positioning isillustrated in FIG. 8.

With this configuration, the rectangular sleeve 108 of the stationaryhousing 106 can be inserted into the slot 102 of work surface 104. Aftersuch insertion, the connecting screws 142 can each be turned clockwise(as viewed from above the stationary housing 106 and in the directionillustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9). With reference first to FIG. 8, as theconnecting screw 142 is turned clockwise, it will correspondingly rotatethe substantially cylindrical portion 154 of the upstanding sleeveportion 150. With this clockwise rotation, the substantially cylindricalportion 154 will continue to rotate until the sill 156 abuts one side ofthe corresponding detent 146 of the bushing 136. This abutment will thenprevent any further clockwise and simultaneous rotational movement ofthe connecting screw 142 and threadably secured sleeve portion 150,relative to the corresponding bushing 136. With this clockwise rotationof connecting screw 142, the foot 152 will correspondingly rotate in aclockwise direction from its position as shown in FIG. 8 to the positionshown in FIG. 9. At this position, with the detent 146 abutting the sill156, further rotational movement of the sleeve 150 and leg 152 isprevented. Also, in this position, the boss 162 is located immediatelybeneath an underside of the work surface 104. Continued rotation of theconnecting screw 142 will thereby cause upward movement of theupstanding sleeve portion 150 within the bushing 136. Such upwardmovement will also cause corresponding upward movement of the foot 152.This upward movement will continue until the boss 162 securely engagesthe underside portion of the work surface 104. In this manner, thestationary housing 106 can be readily secured within slot 102 of thework surface 104.

When it is desired to disassemble the power and data center 100,including removal of the stationary housing 106 from the slot 102 ofwork surface 104, the connecting screws 142 can be rotated in acounter-clockwise direction as seen from the top portion of thestationary housing 106 (and as also viewed in FIGS. 8 and 9). Suchrotation of the connecting screws 142 will cause corresponding rotationof the upstanding sleeve portions 150, until the sills 156 of the sleeveportion 150 again abut opposing edges of the detents 146. This abutmentis illustrated in FIG. 8, and the abutment prevents any furthercounter-clockwise rotation of the couplers 148. In this position,however, the legs 160 are correspondingly positioned under thestationary housing 106, substantially parallel to the side walls 114,116 of the stationary housing 106, and away from the underside portionof the work surface 104. Further counter-clockwise, rotational movementof the connecting screws 142 will “loosen” the couplers 148 and allowthe same to “drop” within the bushings 136 of stationary housing 106.Such movement will facilitate removal of the stationary housing 106 fromthe work surface 104.

It is to be understood that proper operation of the coupling connectors134 will require proper sizing of various components, including relativesizes of the sills 156 and detents 146. For example, these elements mustbe properly sized so that the legs 160 are allowed rotational movementthrough an arc of approximately 90E, thereby allowing proper connectionand disconnection of the feet 152 from the underside portion of the worksurface 104. If, for example, rotational movement of greater than 180Ewas permitted through the relative sizing of the detents 146 and sills156, the coupling connectors 134 would not properly operate.

One advantage of the use of the coupling connectors 134 will beapparent. Specifically, the coupling connectors 134 allow the stationaryhousing 106 to be rigidly (albeit removably) secured to the work surface104, without requiring any “bulky” or otherwise substantial structuralelements extending below the underside portion of the work surface 104.Accordingly, connecting elements do not hamper the user's leg room orotherwise subject the user to possible injury as a result ofunderhanging structure elements. Further, as earlier mentioned, it isadvantageous for the stationary housing 106 to have a depth which isless than the depth of the work surface 104. Again, with the relatively“low profile” in depth of the stationary housing 104, the user's legroom is not hampered by such underhanging structure. However, althoughthe stationary housing 106 advantageously does not extend below theunderside of the work surface 104, the coupling connectors 134 provide ameans for rigidly and removably securing the stationary housing 106 tothe work surface 104.

With respect to the lack of connecting elements hampering the user's legroom or otherwise extending below the underside portion of work surface104, the requisite positioning of the connecting screws 142 isparticularly noted. As apparent from FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the relativestructure of the connecting screws 142, the threaded aperture 158 andthe remaining portions of the upstanding sleeve portion 150 do notrequire the connecting screws to extend below the underside of the worksurface 104. In view of this structure, the connecting screws do notpresent any impediment to the user's leg room or otherwise subject theuser to possible injury.

Turning to other aspects of the power and data center 100, the power anddata center 100 also includes a manually operable and rotatable carriage170. As shown in FIG. 3, the rotatable carriage 170 includes a componentsection 172 into which a selected number and type of electrical andcommunication components may be incorporated. These components maygenerally be assembled in any manner as desired by the purchaser of thepower and data center 100. For example, and as shown primarily in FIG.3, the component section 172 may include receptacle devices comprisingvoice/data or “communication” receptacles 174 having data ports 176 forpurposes of providing communications interfaces, such as conventionalRS-232 communication connectors. The data ports 176 may be connectedthrough conventional communications cables 178 (as partially shown inFIG. 11) to an incoming/outgoing conventional communications portlocated below the work surface 104 at the floor level or at any otherconventional location. The incoming/outgoing communications port is notshown in the drawings. However, the concept of utilizing data ports,incoming/outgoing communications components and data service lines areshown, for example, in Timmerman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,668 issued Oct. 6,1995.

As further shown in FIG. 3, the component section 172 may also include aseries of conventional electrical receptacles 180 for supplying power toAC voltage office equipment or similar devices. The electricalreceptacles 180 may be interconnected to conventional incoming powercables 182, as illustrated in FIG. 14. The incoming power cables 182 maybe energized through interconnection at their distal ends toconventional incoming AC power outlets located at a floor surface orother area. The AC power outlets are not shown in the drawings.

In addition, the component section 172 may include other conventionalelectrical/communication devices, such as an on-off switch (not shown inthe drawings) which may, if desired, be interconnected with othercomponents of the component section 172 so as to provide a singlelocation for energizing or deenergizing both high and low voltage powerprovided through the component section 172. Still further, if desired, aconventional circuit breaker (also not shown in the drawings) or similardevice may be provided and appropriately interconnected for purposes ofprotection. In addition, a power surge protector (also not shown in thedrawings) could be utilized within the component section 172 forpurposes of providing protection for sensitive electronic communicationsequipment which may be energized and interconnected through thecomponent section 172.

As earlier stated, interconnections of the communications cables 178 andincoming power cables 182 to the appropriate receptacles of thecomponent section 172 are conventional in design and do not comprise anyportions of the novel concepts of the invention. These types ofinterconnections are well known in the electrical and communicationsarts. For example, for purposes of appropriately guiding cables 178 and182, cable clamps (not shown in the drawings) may be located to the rearof the component section 172 of carriage 170. One type of cableshielding and strain relief for the incoming power cables 182 will bedescribed in subsequent paragraphs herein.

With reference primarily to FIGS. 1-6, 11, 12 and 14, the carriage 170also includes a top portion 184 which is substantially rectangular instructure as expressly shown in FIG. 1. The carriage 170 also includes apair of opposing side walls 186 and a substantially rectangular frontportion 188. The front portion 188 essentially forms the area where thecomponent section 172 is positioned.

With reference primarily to FIGS. 11 and 12, the carriage 170 may alsoinclude inner side walls 192 in an opposing configuration (as shown inFIG. 11), with a rear wall 194 extending therebetween. The inner sidewalls 192 may include threaded bushings 196, with a pair of the threadedbushings 196 integrally molded with or otherwise secured to an insidesurface of each of the inner side walls 192. The threaded bushings 196are vertically disposed. The middle of the front portion 188, inner sidewalls 192 and rear wall 194 essentially comprise a substantiallyrectangular and box-like protected compartment 190 within which theconventional electrical receptacles 180 may be positioned within thefront portion 188 of the component section 172. For purposes of coveringthe underside of the protected compartment 190, a lower cover 198 may beemployed as particularly shown in FIG. 12. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12,the lower cover 198 may have a substantially planar portion 200 with aplug aperture 202 extending therethrough. The planar portion 200 alsoincludes a series of four holes 204. When the lower cover 198 isappropriately positioned at the underside of the protected compartment190, the holes 204 are coaxial with the threaded bushings 196 in theinner side walls 192. Connecting screws 206 are utilized to secure thelower cover 198 to the underside of the protected compartment 190.

For purposes of clarity, incoming power cables 182 are not shown ineither FIG. 11 or FIG. 12. However, as shown in FIG. 14, the incomingpower cables 182 may be extended through the plug aperture 202 to theconventional electrical receptacles 180. Also, for purposes ofprotection of the incoming power cables 182, a strain relief clamp orcollar 203 may be coupled in a conventional manner to the exterior ofthe plug aperture 202 extending outwardly from the lower cover 198. Inaddition, the multiple incoming power cables 182 may be received withina single cable 205 which is connected to the strain relief collar 203and which extends to a plug or other device (not shown in the drawings)connectable to an incoming power source (also not shown in thedrawings). The configuration of the single cable 205, strain reliefcollar 203 and the like are relatively conventional in nature, and donot form any of the novel concepts of the invention.

With reference again to FIG. 11, sections of the top portion 184, frontportion 188, opposing side walls 186 and inner side walls 192 form apair of communication channels 207. The communication channels 207 formsemi-protected areas where the data ports 176 and interconnectedcommunications cables 178 may be located. However, as earlier described,various other arrangements for the component section 172 may beutilized. Accordingly, the channels 207 may include not only data ports176, but may also include other electrical/communication receptacles andsimilar devices. Further, however, with the particular configurationillustrated in FIG. 11, the conventional electrical receptacles 180 andassociated incoming power cables 182 are substantially shielded from thedata ports 176 and associated communications cables 178. Accordingly,electrical isolation may be provided between the conventional electricalreceptacles 180 and communications receptacles 174.

The carriage 170 also includes a projecting stub 208 which extendsdownwardly from the planar portion 200 of the lower cover 198, as shownin FIGS. 3, 11 and 12. The projecting stub 208 is utilized to assist theuser in repositioning the carriage 170 during operation, as described insubsequent paragraphs herein.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, extending rearwardly and downwardly from thetop portion 184 of the carriage 170 are a pair of pivot tongues 210positioned on each side of the rear wall 194 of the carriage 170, andequal distance from the side walls 114, 116. Only one of the pivottongues 210 is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Each of the pivot tongues210 has a cross-sectional configuration as expressly shown in FIGS. 2, 5and 6. As specifically shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 6, the pivottongue 210 is formed of a pair of arcuate sections 212 and 214 joinedtogether by a flat section 216. The intersection of the arcuate section212 and flat section 216 forms an edge 211 as referenced in FIG. 6. Eachof the pivot tongues 210 is appropriately sized and configured on thecarriage 170 so that each can be fitted into a corresponding one of theU-shaped channels 124 associated with the stationary housing 106.

As shown primarily in FIGS. 5 and 6, with the use of the flat section216, and the particular shapes and configurations of the remainder ofthe pivot tongues 210 and the U-shaped channels 124, the pivot tongues210 can be made to be fitted into the U-shaped channels 124 only whenthe pivot tongues 210 are substantially vertically disposed asillustrated in solid line format in FIG. 6. This particularconfiguration of the carriage 170 will be referred to herein as the“vertical orientation” of the carriage 170. After the pivot tongues 210have been inserted into the U-shaped channels 124 from the verticalorientation as shown in solid line format in FIG. 6 (and indicated bythe arrow A in FIG. 6), the pivot tongues 210 can then be rotatedcounter-clockwise (as indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 6). The carriage170 can be rotated counter-clockwise as shown in FIG. 6 until the topportion 184 is in a substantially horizontal plane, as shown in dottedline format in FIG. 6. When the top portion 184 and associated carriage170 is in substantially any position other than one where the topportion 184 is vertically disposed (i.e. the vertical orientation of thecarriage 170), the pivot tongues 210 are essentially “locked” within theU-shaped channels 124 of the stationary housing 106, in a manner suchthat the carriage 170 cannot be removed from this pivotalinterconnection with the stationary housing 106. More specifically, withthe carriage 170 in the orientation shown in dotted line format in FIG.6, where the top portion 184 is in a substantially horizontal plane, orwhen the carriage 170 is in an “open” position as illustrated in FIG. 5(and described in subsequent paragraphs herein), the edge 211 of each ofthe pivot tongues 210 is prevented by the edge 125 of the U-shapedchannel 124 from “rotating out of” the U-shaped channel 124.

In accordance with the foregoing, the pivot tongues 210 and the U-shapedchannel 124 provide a means for the carriage 170 to be readily assembledand disassembled from the stationary housing 106. Advantageously,removably securing the carriage 170 to the stationary housing 106 inaccordance with the foregoing requires no tools.

With respect to other elements of the power and data center 100, andwith reference primarily to FIGS. 1, 3, 10, 10A, 10B and 12, the center100 also includes a cover 220 in a substantially rectangularconfiguration as particularly shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The cover 220includes a forward edge 222, side edges 224 and a coupling portion 226which is located opposite from the forward edge 222. The forward edge222 includes an opening comprising a finger notch 228 positioned equaldistance from each of the side edges 224. The finger notch 228 isutilized to facilitate rotational movement of the cover 220 and carriage170, relative to the stationary housing 106.

Positioned within the coupling portion 226 of the cover 220 is a pair ofpivot arms 230, primarily shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 and positioned equaldistance from the side edges 224. Integrally molded with or otherwiseconnected to each of the pivot arms 230 is a pair of pivot mandrels 232.As primarily shown in FIG. 10B, each of the pivot mandrels 232 extendsoutwardly from an opposing side of each of the corresponding pivot arms230. It is to be understood that each of the pivot mandrels 232associated with a particular one of the pivot arms 230 is essentially amirror image of the other. The primary purpose of the pivot arms 230 andthe pivot mandrels 232 is to provide a means for rotatable and removableinterconnection of the cover 220 with the stationary housing 106.

For purposes of interconnecting the cover 220 with the stationaryhousing 106, and with reference primarily to FIGS. 3, 10, 10A, 10B and12, the cover 220 may first be positioned as shown in FIG. 3. Forpurposes of description, this particular configuration of cover 220shown in FIGS. 3 and 12 is described herein as the “180E position.”Also, it should be noted that for purposes of interconnecting the cover220 with the stationary housing 106, the stationary housing 106 must beremoved from the work surface 104. With the stationary housing 106removed from the work surface 104, the cover 220 may be positioned asexpressly shown in FIGS. 10 and 10B, with the pivot mandrels 232 locatedimmediately below corresponding ones of the cover connecting chambers128. After being located in this position, the cover 220 can be movedupwardly so that each of the pivot mandrels 232 associated with a pivotarm 230 is inserted into a corresponding one of the lower bores 130,illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 10B, and previously described herein withrespect to the stationary housing 106. After being positioned therein,the pivot mandrels 232 may be forced upwardly, and the resiliency of thechambers 128 will allow the pivot mandrels 232 to be moved upwardly intothe substantially cylindrical apertures 132. The position of the pivotmandrels 232 within the substantially cylindrical apertures 132 isillustrated in FIG. 10A. The size of the pivot mandrels 232, relative tothe diameters of the substantially cylindrical apertures 132, will allowfor relatively free rotational movement of the pivot mandrels 232 withinthe substantially cylindrical apertures 132, while still maintaining themandrels 232 within the apertures 132.

To remove the cover 220 from the stationary housing 106, again thestationary housing 106 must be removed from the work surface 104.Thereafter, the user may manually push downward on the pivot arms 230relative to the stationary housing 106, thereby forcing the pivotmandrels 232 out of the cylindrical apertures 132 and through the lowerbores 130. In this manner, the pivot mandrels 232 can be removed fromthe chambers 128 and the cover 220 can be correspondingly removed fromthe stationary housing 106.

The positioning of the pivot mandrels 232 in the substantiallycylindrical apertures 132 comprises the operative position for use ofthe cover 220 with the power and data center 100. With the stationaryhousing 106 then secured to the work surface 104, the cover 220 is freeto rotate relative to the stationary housing 106 through the pivotmandrels 232. In the 180E position previously described herein, thecover 220 would essentially lay “flat” on the work surface 104.

The cover 220 also includes another important concept in accordance withone aspect of the invention. More specifically, the cover 220 includes apair of cable passages 234 formed adjacent the coupling portion 226 andadjacent the side edges 224 of the cover 220, as particularly shown inFIG. 1. As will be described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the cablepassages 234 provide a means for maintaining electrical andcommunications engagement of various electrical and communicationsdevices, even with the power and data center in a closed, retractedconfiguration.

The operation of the power and data center 100 will now be describedwith respect to all of FIGS. 1-17. After initially being assembled, thepower and data center 100 may have a configuration as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. This configuration may be characterized as the “closed,retracted configuration” for the power and data center 100. In thisconfiguration, the cover 220 is in a substantially planar configuration,with the pivot arms 230 abutting the upper surfaces of the slots 126formed within the horizontal flange or lip 110. In this configuration,and as primarily shown in FIG. 2, the cover 220 can rest not only uponthe upper surfaces of the slots 126, but may also partially rest on theupper surfaces of the bushings 136 formed in the side walls 114, 116 ofthe stationary housing 106. Alternatively, the cover 220 may notnecessarily rest on the upper portion of the bushings 136, but insteadmay be adjacent the tops of the bushings 136. In this configuration, thebushings 136 would still protect against the cover 220 beingsubstantially bent or otherwise damaged through the user accidentallyforcing the cover 220 downward near its forward edge 222, therebymisshaping the cover 220. For the cover 220, this configuration isreferred to herein as the “closed” configuration.

Also in this closed, retracted configuration of the power and datacenter 100, the carriage 170 is in a configuration which may becharacterized as a “closed” configuration. This configuration is alsoshown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this configuration, the top portion 184 is ina substantially horizontal plane, and the pivot tongues 210 areessentially “locked” within the U-shaped channels 124, as shown indotted line format in FIG. 6. It should be emphasized that although therelative sizing of the U-shaped channels 124 and the pivot tongues 210are such that the pivot tongues 210 cannot be forcibly removed from theU-shaped channels 124 when the carriage 170 is in the closed positionshown in FIG. 1, the carriage 170 may still be freely rotated, with thepivot tongues 210 rotating within the U-shaped channels 124.

When it is desired to utilize the power and data center 100 to energizeelectrical utility or communication devices, the user may “open” thepower and data center 100 by first inserting a finger or thumb into thearea forming the finger notch 228 of the cover 220. However, instead ofgrasping and rotatably moving the cover 220, the user preferably willuse the area at the finger notch 228 to actually grasp the carriage 170so as to rotate the carriage 170 in a clockwise direction as shown inthe views of FIGS. 2, 5 and 15. The axis of rotation of the carriage 170will be substantially through a center line extending longitudinallythrough each of the coaxial pivot tongues 210. As the carriage 170 isbeing pivotably rotated from its closed position in a clockwisedirection relative to the views of FIGS. 2, 5 and 15, the front portion188 of carriage 170 will begin to abut the forward edge 222 of the cover220. This abutment and relative positioning of the cover 220 andcarriage 170 is shown in intermediate positions in solid and dotted-lineformat in FIGS. 15 and 16.

The carriage 170 will continue to be rotated clockwise and upwardlyuntil a lower edge 236 (as shown in FIGS. 5, 15 and 16) “clears” theforward edge 222 of cover 220. At that instant, the cover 220 will pivotor “fall” a short distance downwardly, until the forward edge 222 abutsthe projecting stub 208 as illustrated in FIG. 16. After clearance ofthe lower edge 236 from the forward edge 222 of cover 220, the user canthen allow the carriage 170 to “fall back” in a direction such that thecarriage 170 is rotatably pivoting back through a counter-clockwisedirection relative to the views illustrated in FIGS. 5, 15 and 16. Thecarriage 170 will essentially rotate until it attains a position asprimarily shown in FIG. 5. In this position, the lower edge 236 of thefront portion 188 is supported on the cover 220 near the forward edge222.

As apparent to the reader, the specific, relative positioning of thecover 220 and carriage 170 will depend on the relative sizing of variouscomponents of these elements. For example, and as generally shown inthis embodiment and particularly FIG. 5, the relative sizing of thevarious components is such that when the lower edge 236 of the carriage170 rests on the cover 220, the face of the front portion 188 ispositioned essentially at an angle of approximately 45E relative to thehorizontal. This particular configuration is also illustrated in FIGS.3, 4 and 17. In this configuration, the conventional electricalreceptacles 180 and the communications receptacles 178 are readilyaccessible to the user. Accordingly, various electrical utility andcommunications devices may then be energized through interconnectionwith their own electrical and communication cables. For example, FIG. 4illustrates the interconnection of a conventional electrical plug 238and interconnected electrical cables 240 to one of the conventionalelectrical receptacles 180. FIG. 4 also illustrates the interconnectionof a communication line 242 to one of the communications receptacles 174comprising a data port 176.

During the rotational and pivotable movement of the carriage 170relative to the stationary housing 106, the movement is facilitated bythe pivotable coupling and interrelationship between the pivot tongues210 on the carriage 170 and the U-shaped channels 124 of the carriagepivot flanges 120. Also during the movement of the carriage 170 asdescribed in previous paragraphs herein, the cover 220 is also caused tomove. This movement is also pivotable and rotatable relative to thestationary housing 106, and facilitated by the pivotable coupling andinterrelationship between the pivot mandrels 232 and the coverconnecting chambers 128.

The position of the carriage 170 as illustrated in FIG. 5 will bereferred to herein as the “open” or “open, extended” position. When itis desired to move the carriage 170 from the open position to the closedposition, the user may grasp the carriage 170 and pivot the carriage 170first in a clockwise rotation (as viewed in FIG. 5). This clockwise,rotational movement will cause the carriage 170 to pivot such that theprojecting stub 208 will abut the forward edge 222 of cover 220, asillustrated in solid line format in FIG. 16. Further clockwise,rotational movement of the carriage 170 will cause the projecting stub208 to move the cover 220 away from its closed position, so that thecover 220 partially pivots in a clockwise, rotational movement, asfurther illustrated in dotted line format in FIG. 16. This movement ofthe cover 220 will cause the cover 220 to be moved to a position wherethe user may readily grasp the cover 220 by the finger notch 228. Theuser can then rotate the cover 220 toward its 180E position (illustratedin FIG. 3). However, the user only needs to pivotably rotate the cover220 a sufficient distance so that the carriage 170 may “clear” theforward edge 222 of cover 220 as the user releases clockwise, rotationalforces on the carriage 170 and allows the carriage 170, throughgravitational forces or otherwise, to pivotably rotate in acounter-clockwise direction back to its closed position as illustratedin FIG. 5. When the carriage 170 rotates back to its closed position,the cooperative relationship between the pivot tongues 210 and U-shapedchannels 124 will cause the carriage 170 to be maintained in a closedposition, absent external rotational forces. After the carriage 170 hasbeen returned to its closed position, the user can then allow the cover220 to rotate in a clockwise direction so as to again return to itsclosed position, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

However, the user also has several other options and advantagesassociated with the power and data center 100. The user can return thecarriage 170 from its open position to the closed position whileretaining electrical and voice/data interconnections between thevoice/data receptacles 174, conventional electrical receptacles 180 andcommunication cables 242, electrical plugs 238, respectively. If theuser retains electrical and/or voice/data interconnection withelectrical utility devices or communication devices while the carriage170 is in the closed position, the user may allow the cover 220 tocompletely pivot over to its 180E position, as illustrated in FIGS. 3and 12. While in this position, and with the carriage 170 in its closedposition, cord and cable “excess” from electrical utility devices andcommunication devices can be stored within a recessed portion 244 formedwithin the rectangular sleeve 108 of the stationary housing 106. Itshould be emphasized, again, that the electrical plugs 128 andcommunication cables 242 can remain energized through the componentsection 172, while the carriage 170 is in the closed position.

In addition to use and operation of the power and data center 100 withthe cover in the 180E position as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 12, anadditional configuration may be utilized, while still retainingenergization of electrical utility devices and communication devicesthrough the component section 172. More specifically, and as illustratedin FIGS. 13 and 14, electrical plug 238 and associated electrical cables240 may remain energized with the component section 172 of carriage 170,and the electrical cables 240 positioned (with the cover 220 in a closedposition) so as to extend outwardly through the cable passages 234formed in the cover 220. For purposes of illustration, only oneelectrical plug 238 and set of electrical cables 240 is illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14. However, additional electrical plugs 238 and electricalcables 240 can remain energized with the component section 172 ofcarriage 170, in addition to continued interconnection of communicationcables 242 with voice/data receptacles 174. In such instance, theadditional electrical cables 240 and communication cables 242 would alsoextend outwardly through the cable passages 234. This type ofconfiguration has aesthetic advantages, since the recessed portion 244and various components of the carriage 170 are substantially hidden fromview, when the cover 220 is maintained in a closed configuration.

The power and data center 100 facilitates ease of removal of thecarriage 170 from the stationary housing 106. When it is desired toremove carriage 170 from its coupled and pivotable relationship with thestationary housing 106, the carriage 170 is moved to its “vertical”position, whereby the top portion 184 is in a vertical orientation, asillustrated in solid line format in FIG. 6. In this configuration, thepivot tongues 210 are positioned as shown in FIG. 6 relative to theU-shaped channels 124. This positioning and the relative sizing andshaping of the tongues 210 and channels 124 allow the carriage 170 to bemoved upwardly so that the tongues 210 are removed from the channels124. As also earlier described, assembly and intercoupling of thecarriage 170 with the stationary housing 106 requires merely a reversalof operation. That is, the carriage 170 is positioned and moveddownwardly (as indicated by arrow A in FIG. 6) so that the pivot tongues210 are inserted within the U-shaped channels 124. The carriage 170 isthen rotated in a counter-clockwise position (as viewed in FIG. 6 andshown by arrow B therein) so that the top portion 184 moves to asubstantially horizontal position, as shown in dotted line format inFIG. 6. In this configuration, and in essentially any configurationother than the one which provides for a substantially verticalorientation of top portion 184, the pivot tongues 210 are essentially“locked in” to the U-shaped channels 124.

Another aspect of the power and data center 100 relates to facilitatinguse of relatively large plug-type devices. For example, it is relativelycommon, in today's industries, to require AC charging of variousdevices, such as cellular phones, calculators and the like. Many ofthese devices use charging elements comprising relatively large ACadaptors, such as the adaptor 246 illustrated in FIG. 17. With the openconfiguration of the carriage 170 having the substantially 45E angularrelationship illustrated in FIG. 17, interconnection of a device such asthe adaptor 246 to one of the conventional electrical receptacles 180 isrelatively easy and other components of the power and data center 100 donot “get in the way” or otherwise prevent such interconnection.

One other aspect of the power and data center 100 should be mentioned.Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates the carriage 170 in a substantially 45Econfiguration. However, FIG. 3 also illustrates the cover 220 as beingin the 180E position. With the elements of the power and data center 100as described in previous paragraphs herein, the carriage 170 could notbe maintained in the 45E position shown in FIG. 3, absent externalforces or reorientation of the cover 220. However, in addition to theelements of the power and data center 100 previously described herein,additional elements in the form of bosses or the like could beresiliently positioned on inner surfaces of the walls 114, 116 of thestationary housing 106, with the specific positioning allowing thecarriage 170 to be maintained in the position shown in FIG. 3. With suchresilient bosses or similar elements, the user could manually force thecarriage 170 downward against the bosses when it would be desired toreturn the carriage 170 to a closed position. Various other arrangementscould also be utilized for maintaining the carriage 170 in the positionshown in FIG. 3, with the cover 220 maintained in the 180E position asalso shown in FIG. 3.

In summary, the power and data center 100 includes a substantial numberof advantages. With the carriage 170 in the open position, and the cover220 in the closed position, the cover 220 essentially “hides” therecessed portion 244. This is particularly useful for aestheticpurposes. Another substantially advantageous aspect of the power anddata center 100 in accordance with the invention comprises facilitatingthe use of electrical receptacles and voice/data or “communications”receptacles with external power and data cables, even when the carriage170 is in the closed position.

The power and data center 100 provides for the recessed portion 244,which allows a substantial area for storage of “excess” wire and cable.In addition, the recessed portion 244 is “open” in its bottom area.Accordingly, even a greater amount of area is therefore provided forwire and cable storage. With respect to the use of the electrical andvoice/data receptacles, even when the carriage 170 is in the closedposition, the cover 220 can also be closed during use, with theelectrical cables 240 and communication cables 242 extending outwardlythrough the cable passages 234. In accordance with all of the foregoing,substantial and complete use of the power and data center 100 isallowed, even when the power and data center 100 is in a closed,retracted position.

Another substantial advantage resides in the concept that the carriage170 may be assembled with and removable from the stationary housing 106,without any requirement for the use of tools. That is, such assembly anddisassembly is provided merely by extending the carriage 170 in the“vertically oriented” position as illustrated in solid line format inFIG. 6. In addition, the cover 220 is also capable of assembly with andremoval from the stationary housing 106, without requiring tools. Suchassembly and disassembly is provided as previously described herein withrespect to FIGS. 10, 10A and 10B.

Still further, and as also previously described herein, the depth of thestationary housing 106 is relatively small. For example, in the powerand data center 100, the depth of stationary housing 106 is less thanthe depth of the work surface 104. This relatively short “profile” ofthe stationary housing 106 provides the user with additional leg room orother storage area below the work surface 106, without intrusion ofstructural elements of the power And data center 100. With the rotatableinterconnection of the carriage 170 to the stationary housing 106, thisrelatively short profile of the stationary housing 106 can be provided,while still maintaining “stability” of the carriage 170 during use.

As earlier described, the foregoing description of the power and datacenter 100 comprises a description of a prior art power and data center.The following paragraphs will now describe embodiments of expandablepower and data centers in accordance with the invention.

Specifically, reference is made to the embodiment of the inventiondescribed herein as the one touch and pivotable, expandable power anddata center 300, and primarily illustrated in FIGS. 18, 20, 28-33 and36-51. A second embodiment of a one touch and pivotable expandable powerand data center 600 is primarily illustrated in FIGS. 19, 21-27, 34 and35. The expandable power and data center 300 is adapted to be mounted toa work surface or the like. Such a work surface is illustrated as worksurface 302 in FIGS. 44, 45 and 46. The power and data center 300 isprovided with a storage area, and facilitates access, potentially at awork surface level, to electrical power, voice/data signals and othertypes of desired electrical and/or communications input/output. Thepower and data center 300 is adapted to be maintained in a closed,retracted position, while still retaining the capability ofinterconnection of electrical and communication devices. Such aconfiguration is illustrated for power and data center 300 in FIG. 20.In addition, the power and data center 300 is adapted to facilitateinterconnection of electrical and communication lines when a rotatablecarriage of the power and data center 300 is moved to an open, extendedposition. This configuration is illustrated in FIG. 18. Still further,the power and data center 300 may be expanded or reduced, in terms ofthe number of power receptacles, data ports or other electrical andcommunications interconnection elements. In addition, the power and datacenter 300 in accordance with the invention provides for movement froman open to a closed position merely by a single, manual “touch” on thetop of the power and data center 300.

More specifically, and with reference to the drawings, the power anddata center 300 as illustrated in FIG. 18 is adapted to be mountedwithin a slot or opening, such as the slot 304 of the work surface 302illustrated in FIGS. 44, 45 and 46. The work surface 302 may, forexample, comprise a work surface of a furniture component. The slot 304may be rectangular or a similar shape, for purposes of appropriatelyfitting and securing the power and data center 300.

The power and data center 300 includes a stationary housing 306, whichmay comprise a rectangular sleeve or casing 308. The rectangular sleeve308 is vertically disposed and includes a frontal wall 320, left sidewall 322 and right side wall 324. A rear vertical wall 326 is alsoprovided. The walls may be integrally coupled or otherwise connectedtogether with appropriate means. These walls form a rectangular box orsleeve-like structure 308 for protecting the electrical andcommunications components associated with the power and data center 300.

Integral with or otherwise appropriately connected to the rectangularsleeve or casing 308 is a horizontal flange or lip 310. The horizontalflange or lip 310 may also be rectangular in shape, and should be of anappropriate size so as to provide support on the work surface 302 forthe power and data center 300 within the slot 304. The rectangularsleeve 308 may be appropriately sized, and the power and data center 300may be configured, so that the flange or lip 310 is supported on theupper surface of the work surface 302, when the stationary housing 306is positioned within the slot 304. The horizontal flange 310 may includea front portion 312, rear portion 314, left side portion 316 and rightside portion 318.

The expandable power and data center 300 also includes a carriage 328.The carriage 328 is shown in an exploded view in FIG. 49. As illustratedin FIG. 18 and FIG. 49, the carriage 328 includes a top surface 330,sides 332 and frontal face 334. Extending outwardly from the frontalface 334 is a set of windows 336. The windows 336 can be varied innumber, and comprise socket areas where electrical and communicationdevices such as power receptacles and data ports can be inserted. Forexample, in FIG. 18, three of the windows 336 include three powerreceptacles 338. Correspondingly, four of the windows 336 include fourdata ports 340. In a well known and conventional manner, the powerreceptacles 338 can each be connected to a power cord 342, as furthershown in FIG. 18. The power cord 342 can be interconnected to anyappropriate source of electrical power. In this manner, power can beapplied at the terminals of the power receptacles 338. For example, asfurther shown in FIG. 18, an appliance can be connected to the middlepower receptacle 338 (as viewed in FIG. 18) through an appliance cord346 partially shown in FIG. 18. As earlier stated, the power and datacenter 300 can vary in width, and can be expandable, so as to vary thenumber and position of power receptacles 338 and data ports 340 withinthe windows 336.

In addition to the carriage 328, the power and data center 330 alsoincludes a front cover 348. The front cover 348 is partially shown inFIG. 18, and is shown in cross section in FIGS. 40 and 41. As describedin the following paragraphs, the front cover 348 can be moved betweenopen and closed positions as the carriage 328 is also moved between openand closed positions. When the front cover 348 is open, a user can storeexcess cord length within the area normally covered by the front cover348. Also, when the front cover 348 is in a closed position, such excesscords and the like can be hidden from view. The front cover 348 includesa top surface 350 and sides 352. The front cover 348 can beappropriately and pivotably secured to the left side 322 and right side324 of the housing 306. Such a pivot connection is shown as pivot 376 inFIGS. 42 and 43.

As earlier stated, in addition to the power receptacles 338, the powerand data center 300 illustrated in FIG. 18 includes four data ports 340.Each of the data ports 340 can be individually connected to any type ofvoice/data interconnection location, which may be positioned below thework surface 302 or in any other convenient location. The data ports 340can be connected to these voice/data communications connections throughconventional data lines 334.

In addition to the foregoing, the power and data center 300 includes apair of locking cams 354. As shown in FIGS. 47 and 48, each of thelocking cams 354 includes a bushing 356 and foot 358. The locking cams354 operate substantially in the same manner as the coupling connectors134 previously described with respect to the power and data center 100.As shown in FIGS. 47 and 48, the locking cams 354 can be moved intoposition relative to the power and data center 300 so that the bushings356 are engaged within corresponding bushings 357 located on the powerand data center 300. As screws within the bushings 356 are rotated, thelocking cams 354 move from the position shown in FIG. 47 to the positionshown in FIG. 48. That is, the feet 358 of each locking cam 354 isrotated 90°. At that stage, the locking cams are further prevented fromrotation, and a further “tightening” of the locking cams 354 will causethe feet 358 to move upwardly from the position shown in FIG. 48. Inthis manner, the feet 358 can be utilized to secure the power and datacenter 300 to the bottom surface of the work surface 302.

The operation of the power and data center 300 will now be described,primarily with respect to FIGS. 40-43. FIG. 40 is a cross sectional viewshowing the carriage 328 and the front cover 348 in a closed position.Certain areas of the top surface 330 of the carriage 328 and the topsurface 350 of the frontal cover 348 are characterized herein as thepressure area 360. This pressure area 360 is illustrated in FIG. 40. Forpurpose of opening the power and data center 300, so as to gain accessto the power receptacles 338 and data ports 340, a user will exert aslight downward pressure anywhere within the pressure area 360. Thecarriage 328 includes, on each opposing end, a spring mechanism 362.Release of the spring mechanism 362 of each end of the carriage 328 willcause the carriage 328 and the frontal cover 348 to move to openpositions. These open positions are illustrated in FIG. 41. The closedpositions are illustrated in FIGS. 40 and 42. Also, the configuration ofeach of the spring mechanisms 362, when the carriage 328 is in the openposition, is illustrated in FIG. 43. FIG. 42 illustrates theconfiguration of one of the spring mechanisms 362 when the carriage 328and frontal cover 348 is in the closed position.

The carriage 328 is initially held in the closed position shown in FIG.40 through a latch mechanism 364 as illustrated in FIGS. 42 and 43. Whenthe user exerts a slight downward pressure on the pressure area 360,this pressure causes the latch mechanism 364 to release. The springmechanism 362 includes a spring 366, primarily shown in FIGS. 42 and 43.When the latch mechanism 364 is released, the spring 366 (one of eachbeing on opposing ends of the carriage 328) moves the carriage 328 tothe open position. So as to prevent the carriage 328 from moving “toofast” to the open position, a damper 368 is coupled (one on each end) tothe carriage 328 at the ends thereof. This damper 368 on each endrestricts the speed at which the carriage 328 moves from a closedposition to an open position and also from an open position to a closedposition.

To cause the operation of the spring mechanism 362 to act not only uponthe carriage 328, but also the frontal cover 348, a link 370 is providedon each end of the carriage 328. The link 370 couple the carriage 328 tothe frontal cover 348 on each end thereof. As shown primarily in FIGS.42 and 43, each link 370 includes a first link pivot 372 which couplesthe link 370 to the carriage 328. At the opposing end of the link 370, asecond link pivot 374 couples the link 370 to the frontal cover 348.Again, a pair of links 370 are utilized, one on each end of the powerand data center 300. It is also shown in FIGS. 42 and 43 that thefrontal cover 348 pivots on the power and data center 300 between openand closed positions, through the front cover pivot 376. Again, the link370 causes the opening of the carriage 328 to correspondingly cause themovement of the frontal cover 348 from a closed position (FIG. 40) to anopen position (FIG. 41). As apparent from FIG. 41, with the frontalcover 348 moved to an open position, the user has full access to thepower receptacles 338 and data ports 340 associated with the carriage328. If desired, the power and data center 300 can be used in the openposition illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 40. Alternatively, any excess cordscan be stored below the work surface 302 and the carriage 328 andfrontal cover 348 be caused to move to a closed position (FIG. 40). Inthis closed position, space below the top surface 350 of the frontalcover 348 allows for excess cords. Also, as shown primarily in FIG. 41,the frontal cover 348 includes a flexible lip 378. This flexible lip 378provides for a protective closure when the power and data center 300 isin the closed position, but still allows power cords and data lines toenter and exit the interior of the power and data center 300 through theflexible lip 378.

Assuming that the power and data center 300 is in the open position asshown in FIGS. 41 and 43, the user can now use a “single touch” to closethe power and data center 300. Specifically, the user can exert adownward pressure on the push down pressure area 380 on the top surface330 of the carriage 328. This pressure area 380 is illustrated in FIG.41.

As earlier described, the power and data center 300 can be expanded orcontracted, based on the number of power receptacles 338 and data ports340 which a user may wish to use with the power and data center 300. Theparticular power and data center 300, as shown in FIG. 18, includesseven windows 336 for locating power receptacles 338 and data ports 340.A second embodiment of a one touch data expandable power and data centerin accordance with the invention is illustrated as power and data center600 in FIG. 19. The power and data center 600 is also illustrated inFIGS. 21-27, 34 and 35. The power and data center 600 differs from thepower and data center 300 in at least two ways. First, the number ofwindows 336 in the power and data center 600 is reduced from the numberof windows 336 in the power and data center 300. Also, the power anddata center 300 is a somewhat different embodiment, in that it includesa frontal cover 348. In contrast, the power and data center 600 has anarrower opening formed by its housing 306. Accordingly, the power anddata center 600 only includes a carriage 328, and does not include anytype of other cover such as the frontal cover 348. Otherwise, the powerand data center 600 operates in the same manner as the power and datacenter 300. For example, the power and data center 600 includes thecapability of a user exerting a slightly downward pressure on the topsurface 330 of the carriage 328. This downward pressure will cause aspring mechanism (not shown) to operate in a manner similar to how thespring mechanism 362 operates for the power and data center 300.However, the power and data center 600 does not include any elementscorresponding to the links 370. As will be recalled, the links 370interconnect the carriage 328 of the power and data center 300 to thefrontal cover 348 of the power and data center 300. Because there is noelement corresponding to the frontal cover 348 within the power and datacenter 600, there is no element corresponding to the links 370.

With the foregoing concepts in mind, the elements of the power and datacenter 600 will now be briefly described. For purposes of clarity,elements of the power and data center 600 which correspond in functionand substantial structure to comparable elements within the power anddata center 300 will be numbered with identical reference numerals.However, it should be emphasized that certain of the elements of thepower and data center 600 may be of a different size than the comparableelements found in power and data center 300. For example, the power anddata center 600 can include a housing 306 comprising a rectangularsleeve 308. Although the housing 306 and rectangular sleeve 308 of thepower and data center 600 correspond to like numbered elements of thepower and data center 300, it is apparent that the rectangular sleeve308 of the power and data center 300 is substantially larger than thecorresponding rectangular sleeve 308 of the power and data center 600.

As with the power and data center 300, the power and data center 600 isadapted to fit within a slat 304 of a work surface 302. Again, however,the slat 304 of the power and data center 600 would be smaller than thecorresponding slat 304 adapted for use with the power and data center300. The power and data center 600 includes a horizontal flange 310,with a front portion 312, rear portion 314, left side 316 and right side318. Correspondingly, the rectangular sleeve 308 of the power and datacenter 600 includes a frontal wall 320, left side wall 322, right sidewall 324 and rear vertical wall 326.

Still further, the power and data center 600 includes a carriage 328.The carriage 328 includes a top surface 330 with opposing sides 332. Afrontal face 334 is also provided. Within the frontal face 334 of thepower and data center 600 are a set of four windows 336. In theparticular configuration illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 35, two of thewindows 336 are left without any receptacles or data ports. Another twoof the windows 336 include a pair of power receptacles 338. In addition,a power cord 342 extends from the power receptacles 338 downwardly forpurposes of energizing the power and data center 600 through externalpower. Because the windows 336 do not include any data ports, theparticular embodiment of the power and data center 600 shown in FIG. 19does not include any data lines corresponding to data lines 344 of powerand data center 300. However, such data lines would exist if any dataports were included within the windows 336.

As earlier stated, the power and data center 300 includes a frontalcover 348 as previously described herein. The embodiment of a power anddata center 600 in accordance with the invention, as apparent from thedrawings, does not include any corresponding frontal cover. However,like the power and data center 300, the power and data center 600 caninclude a pair of locking cams 354, for purposes of securing the powerand data center 600 to a work surface 302. The locking cams 354 eachinclude a bushing 356, a corresponding bushing (not shown) within thepower and data center 600, and a foot 358.

Also, as with the power and data center 300, the power and data center600 would include pressure areas for purposes of operating springmechanisms (not shown) so as to cause the carriage 328 to move between aclosed position (as shown in FIG. 21) and an open position, such as thatshown in FIG. 19. The spring mechanisms (not shown) would, as the springmechanisms 362 included within the power and data center 300, alsoinclude latch mechanisms, springs and dampers (all not shown). However,as earlier stated, the spring mechanisms associated with the power anddata center 600 would not include links corresponding to the links 370associated with the power and data center 300, since the power and datacenter 600 does not include any type of frontal cover. Also, as with thepower and data center 300, the top surface 330 of the carriage 328 wouldinclude a push down pressure area 380. This push down area 380 isillustrated in FIG. 19. The user would exert a downward pressure on thepush down area 380, for purposes of closing the carriage 328 of thepower and data center 600.

Certain principles will now be described with respect to a latchingmechanism 700 and a connecting clip 800 which may be utilized inaccordance with certain concepts of the invention. The latchingmechanism 700 can be utilized in place of the locking cams 354previously described herein with respect to FIGS. 47 and 48. As shownfirst in FIGS. 52-58 in a stand alone configuration, the latchingmechanism 700 includes a vertically disposed bushing thread 702. Thebushing thread 702 is mounted to a tower 704. Connected to or otherwiseintegral with the bottom of the tower 704 is a foot 706. The foot 706has a triangular configuration. At its base, the foot 706 is connectedto or otherwise integral with a vertical bracket 708. As the top of thevertical bracket 708 a lip 710 extends outwardly therefrom. The powerand data centers previously described herein may be utilized with thelatching mechanism 700, in somewhat as the same manner as the power anddata center 300 operated with the locking cams 354. More specifically,it is preferable that a pair of latching mechanisms 700 be utilized. Asshown in FIGS. 59 and 60, the latching mechanisms 700 can be moved intoposition relative to the power and data center 300, so that the bushingthreads 702 are engaged with corresponding threads 712 located on thepower and data center 300. As the latching mechanisms 700 are rotated90°, they are essentially prevented from further rotation. Accordingly,a further “tightening” of the latching mechanism 700 will cause the feet706 to move upwardly from the position shown in FIG. 60. In this manner,the feet 706 can be utilized to secure the power and data center 300 tothe bottom surface of a work surface 302.

In addition to the latching mechanisms, additional concepts inaccordance with the invention are embodied within the use of connectingclips 800. One of the connecting clips 800 is illustrated in detail inFIGS. 61-68. As shown therein, each connecting clip 800 includes anangled back portion 802, having the angle primarily shown in FIG. 63.Integral with a lower part of the angled back portion 802 is a reverseangle section 804, having the angular configuration shown in FIG. 63,relative to the configuration of portion 802. At the bottom portion ofthe reverse angled section 804 is a parallel angled section 806. Theangled section 806 essentially lies in a plane parallel to the plane ofthe angled back portion 802. A lower, integral connection 808 is madebetween the lower part of the parallel angled section 806 and the lowerportion of a vertical front plate 810.

The purpose of the connecting clip is to provide a relatively simplemeans for securing and power and data center to a work surface, in amanner so that the power and data center cannot be inadvertently liftedupwardly out of a slot within the work surface. FIG. 69 illustrates apower and data center 300 with a connecting clip 800 in position to beinserted along a lower edged surface 812 of the power and data center300. This view is also shown in enlargement in FIG. 70. FIG. 71illustrates the final position of the connecting clip 800 relative tothe lower edge surface 812 of the power and data center 300. In thisconfiguration, the vertical front plate is positioned inside of theinterior of the power and data center 300, while the angled back portion802, reverse angle section 804 and parallel angled section 806 arepositioned outside of the lower edged surface 812. The upper edge of theangled back portion 802, with its configuration, will prevent the powerand data center from being lifted upwardly through a slot 814 of a worksurface 816 (FIGS. 72 and 73), in that the top of the angled backportion 802 will preventably abut the lower surface of the work surface816. However, with the connecting clip 800 having a resilientconfiguration, when the power and data center 300 is lowered into theslot 814 (as shown in FIG. 72), the angled back portion 802 will bedeflected inwardly, so that the power and data center 300 can bereceived through the slot 814. When it is desired to remove the powerand data center 300 from the slot 814, the angled back portions 802 canbe manually deflected inwardly, either completely manually or with theuse of a screwdriver or the like, so that the power and data center 300can be lifted upwardly through the slot 814.

FIGS. 74-79 show various embodiments of power and data centers withwhich latching mechanisms and connecting clips in accordance with theinvention can be utilized.

For example, FIG. 74 illustrates a side, sectional view of a power anddata center 818 which may utilize the locking mechanisms 700 andconnecting clips 800. FIG. 75 is a perspective view of the power anddata center 818. In view of prior description herein, individualelements of the power and data center 818 and other power and datacenters subsequently described herein will not be set forth in detail.As apparent from FIG. 75, the power and data center 818 includes a setof four voice/data connectors, and three electrical receptacles. FIG. 76illustrates a further power and data center 820 which may be utilized inaccordance with the invention. The power and data center 820 includes anelectrical outlet receptacle and a “blank” where a suitable type ofconnector may be employed. FIG. 77 shows a power and data center 822.The power and data center 822 is similar to the power and data center820, but includes a surface plate 824 having a slightly differentconfiguration than the surface plate 823 of the power and data center820. FIG. 78 illustrates a power and data center 824, having a pair ofcarriages. One of the carriages carries two voice/data connectors andtwo electrical outlet receptacles. FIG. 79 illustrates a modifiedversion of a power and data center 826. The power and data center 826shows two communication “blank” connectors, along with two electricaloutlet receptacles.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the pertinent arts that otherembodiments of power and data centers in accordance with the inventionmay be designed. That is, the principles of power and data centers inaccordance with the invention are not limited to the specificembodiments described herein. For example, various combinations ofelectrical receptacles and voice/data communication receptacles may beutilized. Accordingly, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artsthat modifications and other variations of the above-describedillustrative embodiments of the invention may be effected withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of theinvention.

1. A pivotable power and data center adapted to be mounted to a worksurface, said power and data center comprising: a storage area; at leastone power receptacle for energizing electrical devices; at least onedata port for communications interconnection to communication devices;means for maintaining said power and data center in a closed, retractedposition, while still retaining the capability of continuedinterconnection of said electrical devices and said communicationdevices; means for moving said power and data center between saidclosed, retracted position and an open, extended position in response toa manual touch on a top of said power and data center; a stationaryhousing; a carriage rotatable relative to said housing between a closedposition and an open position; a set of windows mounted in said carriagefor receiving power receptacles or similar energy elements; a covercoupled to said carriage and movable between a closed position and anopen position; characterized in that said power and data center furthercomprises: a plurality of securing mechanisms for securing said powerand data center to a bottom surface of said work surface, each of saidsecuring mechanisms comprising: a vertically disposed bushing threadmounted to a tower; a foot connected to or otherwise integral with abottom of said tower; a vertical bracket connected to or otherwiseintegral with said foot; a lip extending outwardly from a top of saidvertical bracket; said bushing thread is engaged with a correspondingthread located on said power and data center in a manner so that as saidsecuring mechanism is rotated 90° , said securing mechanism is preventedfrom further rotation, and a further tightening of said securingmechanism will cause said foot to move upwardly so as to abut againstsaid bottom surface of said work surface; at least one spring mechanismand at least one latch mechanism are coupled to said carriage so as topermit rotation of said carriage between said closed position and saidopen position; and when said carriage and said cover are in said closedpositions, a user may exert downward pressure on a top of said carriage,and in response to said downward pressure, said spring mechanism andsaid latch mechanism will operate so as to cause said carriage to moveto side open position.
 2. A pivotable power and data center inaccordance with claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of connectingclips are substituted for said plurality of securing mechanisms, each ofsaid connecting clips comprising: an angled back portion; a reverseangled section integral with a lower part of said angled back portion; aparallel angled section positioned at a bottom portion of said reverseangled section, said parallel angled section lying in a plane parallelto a plane of said angled back portion; a lower, integral connection ismade between said lower part if said parallel angled portion and a lowerportion of a vertical front plate; when said connecting clip is in afinal position, said vertical front plate is positioned inside aninterior of said power and data center, while said angled back portion,reverse angled section and parallel angled section are positionedoutside of a lower edge surface of said power and data center, so thatan upper edge of said angled back portion prevent said power and datacenter from being lifted upwardly through a slot of said work surface;said connected clip comprising a resilient configuration, so that whensaid power and data center is lowered into said slot, said angled backportion deflects inwardly, so that said power and data center isreceived through said slot; and when desired to remove said power anddata center from said slot, said angled back portion is manuallydeflected inwardly, so that said power and data center can be liftedupwardly through said slot.
 3. A pivotable power and data center inaccordance with claimed 1, characterized in that when said carriage ismoving form said closed position to said open position, said latchmechanism operate so as to cause said carriage to cease rotation at aposition relative to said housing corresponding to said position of saidcarriage.
 4. A pivotable power and data center in accordance with claim1, characterized in that said power and data center further comprises atleast one damper coupled to said carriage, with said damper restrictingthe speed at which said carriage moves from said closed position to saidopen position, and also from said open position to said closed position.5. A pivotable power and data center in accordance with claim 1,characterized in that said cover is coupled to said carriage through atleast one link.
 6. A pivotable power and data center in accordance withclaim 1, characterized in that said power and data center consists oftwo of said spring mechanisms and two of said latch mechanisms.
 7. Apivotable power and data center in accordance with claim 6,characterized in that each of said spring mechanisms and each of saidlatch mechanisms are positioned at opposing sides of said carriage.
 8. Apivotable power and data center in accordance with claim 1,characterized in that said power and data center forms a storage areafor storing excess cord length when said carriage and said cover areboth in said open positions.
 9. A pivotable power and data center inaccordance with claim 8, characterized in that when said carriage andsaid cover are both in said closed positions, said carriage and saidcover are sized and configured so that cords can still be receivedwithin said power receptacles and extend outwardly between said carriageand said cover.
 10. A pivotable power and data center adapted to bemounted to a work surface, said power and data center comprising: astorage area; at least one power receptacle for energizing electricaldevices; at least one data port for communications interconnection tocommunication devices; means for maintaining said power and data centerin a closed, retracted position, while still retaining the capability ofcontinued interconnection of said electrical devices and saidcommunication devices; means for moving said power and data centerbetween said closed, retracted position and an open, extended positionin response to a manual touch on a top of said power and data center; astationary housing; a carriage rotatable relative to said housingbetween a closed position and an open position; a set of windows mountedin said carriage for receiving power receptacles or similar energyelements; a cover coupled to said carriage and movable between a closedposition and an open position; characterized in that: at least onespring mechanism and at least one latch mechanism are coupled to saidcarriage so as to permit rotation of said carriage between said closedposition and said open position; when said carriage and said cover arein said closed positions, a user may exert downward pressure on a top ofsaid carriage, and in response to said downward pressure, said springmechanism and said latch mechanism will operate so as to cause saidcarriage to move to said open position; said cover is coupled to saidcarriage through at least one link; and said link comprises a first linkpivot at a first link end, said first link pivot coupling said link tosaid carriage, and a second link pivot positioned at an end of said linkwhich opposes the end of said link having said first link pivot, saidsecond link pivot coupling said link to said cover.
 11. A pivotablepower and data center in accordance with claim 10, characterized in thatsaid power and data center consists of a total of two of said links.